Sister Clara Dischler

What first drew you to the Racine Dominican community?

From an early age, I knew I wanted to be a sister. I had Racine Dominicans as teachers when I attended St. Luke School in Plain, WI. It seemed only natural to join the Racine Dominicans.

 

What has kept you in the community all these years?

I learned from my family how to give of myself. Being with the community enabled me to do that, especially in all the years as a teacher, and later as principal. In educating youth, I had the opportunity to give of myself to young people. They kept me energized in return. I felt the support of my sisters all these years and still do.

 

What is one particularly cherished memory of your years in ministry?

I loved my time in Ketchikan, Alaska, especially working with the children. They were so easy. Each one of them had so much good inside. Sometimes you had to look a little harder to find it, but it was always there.

 

What is one thing people today should know about the Racine Dominicans?

They strive for perfection every day of their lives. I learned this from the community. When I was principal of the school in Ketchikan, I voiced my concern to parents that the children needed to be taught about their Christian heritage at home. I said, “Show your children how to carry their Christianity out into the community and the world. It’s not enough to be concerned only about your own family.”

 

What do you enjoy doing at this time of your life?

I enjoy visiting with the sisters from Siena Center. I also like putting jigsaw puzzles together.